What goes around comes back around in the fashion landscape

Menswear-inspired suits, feminine pointed-toe shoes, textured separates and bow ties for men were some of the highlights of the year in fashion. Here are my picks for the best trends of 2011:

■ Greta Garbo, Diane Keaton as Annie Hall, Studio 54-era Bianca Jagger, it seems as though every generation adapts its own menswear-inspired styles for women's fashion.

Pieces borrowed this year from the boys included suits of fitted corduroy blazers and pencil pants from the Olsen twins' fashion label, The Row, and oxford pumps, wedges and flats available everywhere from Christian Louboutin to Payless.

■ For women in search of a lighter look there were pointed-toe shoes, a departure from the chunky heels and platforms of the past few seasons. Worn with kitten heels or as flats, this vintage style was just the right touch for a retro pencil skirt, belted shirtdress or skinny jeans.

■ Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren and other designers helped bring back the bow tie for men. The classic men's accessory made its way from Southern fashion staple to this year's winter must-have. To make it modern, it's worn in clashing patterns such as a brightly striped tie paired with a fitted checked shirt. But don't even think of wearing a clip-on or pre-tied bow tie. You're a big boy, and there are plenty of resources online to show you how to tie it — try the "how to tie a bow tie" link at Beautiesltd.com.

■ Fashion took its cue from home design, and it incorporated texture and color for added interest — woven wool capes for women with leather and metal buckles, quilted coats in vibrant shades of green and blue — that made winter wardrobes far from boring.

Check back here next week when we start our look at the trends of 2012.

This year's menswear-inspired styles includes oxfords for women. These blue leather lace-ups are $398 at Anthropologie.

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